The Buying Guide To The Best Standing Desk Converter

The modern workplace looks nothing like the workplaces of the past, and we have research and science to thank for that. We now know the key to physical comfort, support, and productivity at work all comes down to ergonomics, so finding the right ergonomic supplies is key.

A standing desk converter is a simple piece of machinery that can turn your regular desk into the best sit stand desk around, and all with minimal effort from you. This means you have the option to choose any position and keep your body comfortable and supported through the working day.

Fining the best standing desk converter isn’t easy to do though, as there are now thousands of options on the market. That’s why we’ve compiled this thorough buying guide to help you navigate your way towards the best stand up desk converter and what exactly you should be looking for when you choose this important piece of equipment.

Best Standing Desk Converter

Among all of the stand up desk reviews, there are always those that rate the best and those brands that can always be trusted.

We’ve found the best standing desk converter options out there, with something to suit every budget and need, so you can be on your way to the ergonomic support that you deserve. Here are our top picks for sit stand desks and exactly what they can offer your new workspace.

Winner: Varidesk Pro Plus

Varidesk is a leader in ergonomic supplies, and it’s no wonder that their Pro Plus standing desk is our top pick for the best sit stand desk. This desk is a lot more costly than others on the market, but it’s well worth it when you use it, and you’ll feel straight away the difference that this extra money makes.

Varidesk has made their desk big enough for all of your supplies, so you can fit two computers or a laptop and computer setup if you want to. With an extra layer for the keyboard and mouse, you’ll never feel as though your workspace is cramped again. This slides away when not in use to save even more space and make less of a footprint.

This desk sits right on top of any bench, desktop, or surface and it has the ability to adjust into 11 different positions. This means people of any height or size will find it useful and there are no restrictions to who can use it. It uses a spring-loaded boost mechanism to move around you can easily adjust it through the day into any position that you need.

Source: varidesk.com

OUR RATING

You will certainly have to spend a little time with this desk before it starts working smoothly, as some reviews have found it to be stiff at first.

However, with some use, it will begin to smooth out and you’ll find the easy push button for adjustments so simple to operate. This is a heavy piece of furniture so be warned that once it’s set up, you probably won’t want to move it again.

Although this is one of the more expensive options on the market it’s definitely one of the best. There’s no need to set it up when it arrives, it can be easily adjusted, and it’s sturdy enough to last for years, so the Varidesk Standing Desk is definitely one of the better options on the market.

Runner-Up: Vivo Standing Desk Converter

If you’re someone who likes a lot of space while they work and doesn’t want to see any clutter on their desk, the Vivo Standing Desk Converter is the choice for you. This is a simple desk converter than sits on your regular desk or any other surface and lifts up to reach whatever height you need to stand.

The Vivo Standing Desk Converter is pretty reasonably priced given what you get for it. However, compared to others that are assembled inside the box this one will take a little work.

It’s not too difficult but you can expect to spend around 15 minutes on it, so be prepared with some basic tools. It’s a little on the heavy side though, so it’s best to have this one shipped directly to your work rather than trying to carry it from home.

Source: vivo-us.com

OUR RATING

The riser itself is one of its best features, and you have the option to choose from a manual riser or upgrade and spend extra for the electric riser. Both work fast and smooth so that you’ll barely have to give any effort to get your desk up to the height you need, but the manual riser is the more cost-effective option.

You’ll get plenty of space with the Vivo Standing Desk Converter and the surface on top measures 36” x 22”. This means there’s ample room for a dual monitor setup and a separate level to keep your keyboard and mouse. All up, you’ll have more room than you ever did when working on a regular desk.

The top platform of the desk sits at 6.5” form your desk and can be adjusted upwards to 16” for when you want to stand. This gives you more range than other comparable desks on the market, so it’s more suited to taller people or those who are shorter than most. For a truly versatile and adaptable stand sit desk, Vivo is the one to choose.

Alternative: Stand Steady X-Elite Pro

For those who value simplicity above all else, there’s nothing more simple than the Stand Steady X-Elite Pro. This is one of their more expensive options in terms of ergonomic desks but it’s ideal for people who don’t have the time or patience for using these types of devices.

The Stand Steady X-Elite Pro is a compact little device but one that gives you plenty of room. The first look at it might seem as though there’ll never be enough room for your belongings, but according to the many happy reviews it’s even capable of having dual monitors on there with ease.

The height range of this desk is 7 inches to 16 inches, so it’s lacking somewhat in how far you can go. For most users, this should be more than enough room, but you’ll need to do your research before you commit. Stand Steady offers a 30-day risk-free trial on their products, so if you do purchase this one and decide it doesn’t suit, there’s no harm in returning it.

Source: standsteady.com

OUR RATING

Compared to other sit-stand desk converters that only come in one style, the Stand Steady X-Elite Pro has three color choices.

There’s a professional looking black but also cherry and maple woods that add a touch of sophistication to any workspace. This means you that not only will it be a practical investment but also one that can improve the look of your workplace as well.

The best thing about this converter is how easy it is to use, and you can get it straight out of the box and place it on your desk. By using a premium pump it’s able to lift up and down with ease for when you want to make an adjustment, which means overall it’s one of the quickest on the market.

The only thing missing from the X-Elite Pro is some form of cord management system that would keep the workspace clear. Other than this small design flaw, there’s nothing negative to say about the standing desk converter and it’s a mid-range product that will tick all of the boxes you need it for comfort and quality.

2nd Alternatives: House Of Trade Standing Desk

There’s nothing quite like having a big workspace and it’s one way to improve your productivity, so why do so many sit stand desks come with limited area to work on? The House of Trade Standing Desk is one product that targets this problem and gives you more room than any other on the market so you don’t have to feel squashed.

The top surface has enough space for a dual monitor setup or one computer and one laptop. Underneath, there’s a pullout level for your keyboard and mouse. On top, you’ll get about 32.5” of width and 24” inches of depth, which gives you ample space to do everything you need.

However, to get the best use out of it, it’s not recommended to crowd the space you have and leave some room to move around.

Source: thehouseoftrade.com

OUR RATING

Another cool thing about the House of Trade Standing Desk is how high and low the desk can actually go. It’s got more range than others on the market from 6.5 inches to 16.5 inches which means it suits more body types and needs. However, there are only 5 different height adjustments available so you’re really restricted to what House of Trade thinks would suit.

This is one of the better priced standing desks around and it’s priced at around $50 less than those comparable ones on the market. It supports up to 50lbs of weight so you know it’s built tough and you’ll be able to feel as soon as you take it out of the box that it was made to last.

The House of Trade Standing Desk is perfect for home or the office and it's easy to use hand levers mean that anyone can control it. It comes fully assembled and you can use it straight out of the box, so don’t worry about tools or length instruction manuals. For those who like simplicity but a whole lot of space, the House of Trade Standing Desk is a wonderful option.

3rd Alternative: Uptrak Standing Desk

If you’ve been searching high and low for a sit stand desk that doesn’t cost a fortune, you’ve probably been coming up short. The Uptrak Standing Desk is one of a kind in that it’s cheap but well made, so it’s like nothing else you’ll find in the ergonomics market.

The Uptrak Standing Desk allows you to convert your regular workspace into an ergonomic dream, and it can adjust up to a massive 17.5 inches. This is more than you’ll find on other sit stand desks which makes it especially ideal for those of taller stature.

The design of this desk converter is a little clunky and it might not be as sleek as you’d hoped for. However, it has everything you need in a sit stand desk including easy assembly, various height adjustments, and a pull out keyboard level that will save you even more space.

Source: standsteady.com

OUR RATING

This is a cheaper option so you can expect to put a little more effort into the adjustments and setup, but not as much as you might think. The assembly will take around 15 minutes to do, provided you know how to work your tools, but because it’s so lightweight there’s no need to take it apart if you ever have to move cubicles.

Uptrak could have done a little better with the surface of this desk converter as some users have found it slippery. The standing desk converter reviews claim that their laptop or keyboard slid around and they had to use some form of grip to keep it still, so this is an added annoyance that we really didn’t need.

In terms of cost though, this is definitely the cheapest in the quality bunch. You won’t need to spend any more than $100 to completely change the productivity and comfort of your workspace, so investing in an Uptrak Standing Desk is one cost that you shouldn’t go without.

Why Should You Buy A Standing Desk Converter?

Too many times we have put up with the standard setup in our workplaces. Most of us spend eight hours a day at a desk, seated in the same position, and putting our body through stresses and strains that we might not even feel until they’ve done serious damage.

A standing desk converter is a simple solution to this and it works with the numerous research that has been done over the years about having an ergonomic workstation. These desk converters allow you to both sit and stand in the correct positions so that you no longer have to put your body under stress throughout the day.

When you’re working at a more comfortable and supported position like this, you’ll find that your productivity increases as well. Spending less time focused on your physical state or having to move around constantly just to get to a comfortable position, and more time on the work that you’re doing can have amazing results.

There are numerous health benefits that have been proven by using a standing desk converter like these ones reviewed. They have been shown to reduce obesity, lower blood sugar levels, and lower your risk of heart disease, among others. All of this is possible by simply swapping out your old, harmful office desk and opting for an ergonomic choice instead.

Standing Desk Converter Vs. Standing Desk

There are many different ergonomic products out there today, and the two that people often struggle to choose between are the standing desk converter and a standing desk. There are so many benefits that both of these ergonomic options offer, but for many, the best choice is the converter.

One of the biggest benefits of having a standing desk converter is their portability, as you can literally place them on any surface or desk that you already own. This means you’re not just limited to having a good workstation in the one spot, and you could even take them from work to home if you needed to.

Another bonus of the converter is the price, usually coming in at hundreds or thousands of dollars cheaper than the standing desk itself. This is because they’re less bulky and use fewer materials to make, so the manufacturers can keep the costs down.

Finally, a standing desk converter is easy to use and even easier to install. Most of them come fully assembled in the box so you don’t need any tools to set them up.

They can be moved up as down as you need with an automatic or manual lever, and they simply fold up when you’re done. Compared to a full desk, they’re also more lightweight, which again helps with portability.

What To Look For When Buying Your Stand Up Desk Converter

If you’ve never owned a standing desk before or a converter, you might not know what to look for exactly. Each person will have unique needs for how their workstation is set up, so the features that you choose should suit the desired setup. Here are some things you might need to think about when shopping for your desk converter.

Size

The size of your desk converter will depend on a few things: the surface area and the footprint. The surface area should be enough to include your computer or even dual monitors if you need them. The footprint should match how much space you have in your office to ensure it doesn’t take up too much room.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a stand-up desk will cover a few different areas including the height limits and keyboard drawer. The keyboard drawer will come out to a certain length which needs to suit your setup. For the height, this refers to how high the desk will be leveled up to and so it has to be right for your own height.

Setup

If you’re someone who’s not mechanically minded, you might want to steer clear of products that require longer assembly or setup processes. Most of these desk converters come fully assembled but you should always double check to be sure.

Adjustability

Most ergonomic desks these days have made it pretty easy to adjust the height, but if you’re concerned about anything that’s too much work you’ll want to get the right product. Look for automatic pumps or levers that will do the lifting for you.

Material

These desk converters need to be capable of holding serious weight limits and so you want something that’s made from a durable material. Consider stainless steel or another durable metal to ensure it will be able to hold everything sturdy.

Extra Features

There are extra features available on some desk converters like cup holders, electric levers, double platforms, and special designs like hardwood and steel.

Weight Restriction

Every desk converter should list the weight limits it has, and this will need to include everything you normally hold on your desk. Keep in mind also that we sometimes lean on our desks and put extra weight on them, so you don’t want to do anything that could damage the device.

An Essential Workplace Accessory

As we learn more about the importance of ergonomics, there’s no doubt that products like these standing desk converters will become staples in the workplace. With numerous benefits for your physical well-being, comfort, and health, as well as productivity in your work, they are certainly worth the small investment.

Choosing the best standing desk converter isn’t all about getting the most expensive one. It’s an important purchase that should suit the type of work you do, your workstation setup, and the hours you put in, so you can be sure you’re choosing one that’s perfectly matched for your situation.

After just one day of using a sit-stand desk, you’ll wonder how you went so long without one. These desks will make you more efficient and more comfortable, and since they’re so easy to set up and use you’ll never have to give it a second thought. An ergonomic workplace is the way of the future, and these nifty desks are one of the most important things you can own.